On Location with Shelley Berman

One of the types of original programming that HBO employed to entice subscribers during the cable service's early years was the taped concert, including this 1977 performance by the dyspeptic standup comic Shelley Berman, who now plays Larry David's father on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Filmed at Chicago's Playboy Club, the 80-minute set includes typical material from Berman's heyday—including some acerbic banter with the audience (he's a smoother, quieter version of Don Rickles), a variety of ethnic swipes that are actually designed to illustrate the absurdity of discrimination, and a collection of his favorite routines (like Bob Newhart's, these often involve one-sided telephone conversations, but are more animated, as if Newhart were crossed with a frustrated Paul Lynde). Like most live shows, the comic mileage here varies: a few explosively funny moments, a handful of chuckles, and quite a few segments that fall flat (the comic also mentions HBO so often that it's almost like a commercial running on a loop). But while this is hardly a classic concert, it does serve as a souvenir of a simpler time, and is sure to be enjoyed by nostalgia buffs. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)